Ip-based satellite command, control, and data transfer

Abstract

A method and system for satellite control in space using an IP-based satellite bus and all-IP compliant subsystems and payload(s) and a corresponding T&C system. Specifically, the present method / system includes a satellite-based IP Bus (connected as a network) that relies on Ethernet, USB, WIFI, or Bluetooth to connect various satellite components, satellite components configured to communicate on the IP bus, and a T&C system that understands the IP bus and can read its telemetry and commands. The system permits operations control on-orbit, in near real time within a secure system environment, with a dramatic increase in mission efficiency, an expansion of how much and what can be done on-orbit, and cost savings on future missions using IP-compliant spacecraft and payloads.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]The present application derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 158,971 filed 8 May 2015.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a method for satellite communications and, more particularly, to a satellite bus, its corresponding satellite subsystems, and a T&C that communicate by IP protocol.[0004]2. Description of the Background[0005]Satellites are proliferating for communication, surveillance, meteorology, navigation, etc. In each case a ground control system is needed for monitoring and controlling the satellite and its various payloads. The payloads are connected to a satellite bus, and commands are sent to the payloads via the satellite bus. For more information on the basics of satellite subsystems refer to Sellers et al., “Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics”, McGraw-Hill Create (2005) ISBN 10: 0073407755).[0006]Telemetry and science da...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system that allows for real-time control of operations in space, within a secure environment. This system can increase efficiency of missions, allow for more and different things to be done in space, and save money on future missions. It uses IP-compliant spacecraft and payloads.

Problems solved by technology

However, TCP / IP does not perform well in networks having a large bandwidth-delay such as satellite links, and so it has not been very widely used by most of today satellite manufacturers.

Another problem with TCP / IP is its weakness to recover from frequent losses in a wireless environment.

Any packet loss is a congestion indication and consequently it cuts back the window.

Due to the high bit error rate in satellite links, such behavior is seen as congestion, which leads to a significant deterioration in TCP / IP throughput.

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